Implement minority welfare schemes efficiently: Singh

Ludhiana: A member of National Commission for Minorities, today urged the Punjab government to implement Center’s minority welfare schemes more effectively.

Dr Ajaib Singh held a series of meetings with members of minority communities, officers from civil and police administration, besides others at Circuit House here.

While addressing a press conference here, Singh said that he also visited Mansa and Bathinda districts during his three-day visit to the state and met members of minority communities there.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started a 15-Point Programme for the welfare of minorities and his visit aims at to review the schemes in Punjab.

Due to lack of awareness amongst members of minority communities, they are not able to avail benefits under several government schemes, the Commission member said

He said that he would compile a detailed report in this regard, which would be sent to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for necessary action.

Singh said that the Punjab government should take serious steps for creating awareness amongst members of minority communities regarding different schemes.

He said that the state government should print pamphlets in Punjabi language and distribute amongst members of minority community.

He said that Minority Welfare Officers should also be appointed at all district headquarters of the state, who should deal with cases related to only the minorities.

He also asked the government officers to compile a detailed report about the status of ongoing schemes for minorities in the state and submit it with the National Commission for Minorities.